Sign for streets, etc.



May 20, 1952 E. A. FERM 2,597,783

SIGN FOR STREETS, ETC

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 Filed June 14, 1949 INVENTOR.

Ever A. Farm ATTORNE May 20, 1952 2,597,783

SIGN FOR STREETS, ETC

Filed June 14, 1949 v 2 Sl-EIETSSI-!EET 2 m Q S w 3 n O I9 0 g o .0: l E I o 0 o Q L llu. r ..1|||H||| INVENTOR.

Ever A. Fe rm ATT9RN Patented May 20, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SIGN FOR STREETS, ETC.

Ever A. Ferm, Chicago, Ill.

Application June 14, 1949, Serial No. 99,046

This invention relates to signs which are used for indicating the names of streets, as well as for other purposes, and more particularly to signs of this type which are rendered legible by light rays emanating from another source.

It has heretofore been proposed to construct signs for streets. etc., of light-penetrable materials in order to enhance legibility by utilizing light raysat the rear of the sign which emanate from a source other than the sign itself, such as from a street lamp or natural daylight.

One of the most familiar of the prior art devices comprises four assembled and right-angularly disposed glass panels which are carried by a lamp post below the street lamp in order that either the light from the street lamp or ordinary daylight may penetrate the glass panels from the rear and thus enhance the legibility of the sign whether the field (or background) be transparent and the indicia opaque, or vice versa. Some of. the prior art devices of the type referred to utilize angularly disposed mirrors for diverting the lightrays from above onto and through the backs of the glass panels.

So far as I am aware, the prior art devices described hereinbefore have always been constructed of glass andfor this reason were frequently broken, thus necessitating expensive and troublesome replacement.

Other prior art signs of which I am aware utilize plastic materials, and for this reason are not so easily broken, but they are somewhat more diflicult to read than those which have been described hereinbefore.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide a sign for streets, etc., which is adapted to utilize rays emanating from another source, and which is so constructed as to provide extreme legibility.

Another object is the attainment of the immediate foregoing in a device which is of enhanced durability.

Still another object is the provision of a device of the type referred to, and possessedof extreme legibility and enhanced durability-which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and install.

A further object is to provide a pair of spaced sign-forming elements so constructed and arranged as to provide an overhung area of comparative shadow on the side from which the sign will be read by an observer, thereby substantially increasing the light contrast and readability of the designation.

A still further object is to arrange a pair of 9 Claims. (Cl. 40-430) sign-forming elements of the type referred to hereinbefore in such manner that light will directly penetrate either or both of the assembled elements or will be directed from one to the other by reflection to a degree which is dependent upon the angle of incidence of rays emanating from the light source.

A still further object is to provide a unit all sides of which offer smooth unobstructed surfaces to facilitate cleaning and thereby reduce maintenance costs to a minimum, at the same time avoiding cleaning contact with, and weather exposure to, the indicia element sealed in between the two laminations.

A still further object is to provide a sign of the type described which comprises a pair of elongate members assembled to form a V-shaped trough which is open at the bottom, the inner surfaces of the elongate member being composed, at least in part, of light-penetrable material, the elongate members being provided with indicia, and the inner surfaces of the indicia being lightreflective whereby the amount and/or intensity of light passing through the oppositely disposed elongate member is enhanced; the V-shaped trough which is open at the bottom preventing the accumulation of rain and snow, leaves from trees, and other debris.

A still further object is the attainment of the foregoing with a combination of elements which may be readily formed of plastic materials which are possesed of substantial durability.

This invention, then comprises the features fully described and as particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative of but several of a number of ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

In said drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a sign embodying the teachings of the present invention, and an end view of a second and similar sign which is disposed slightly higher and at with respect thereto.

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 and illustrating laminae of the component elementsof the sign per se.

Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2, but illustrating a modification.

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 44 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevational view taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Referring more particularly to Figure 1 of the drawings, the letter A designates a lamp post of conventional design, the same being provided with a lateral extension 13 which carries a street lamp C on its outer end.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is provided a pair of elongate rectangularly-shaped members 2 which are assembled in spaced parallelism in such manner as to form a V-shaped trough whichis open at its bottom. Each of these elongate rectangularly-shaped members 2 comprises an inner or backing sheet or portion which is formed, at least in part, of light-penetrable material, preferably of a colored translucent plastic. Disposed outwardly of but immediately adj acentitheouter surface of each of the elongate rectangularlyshaped members 2 is the indiciaor sign designation, as shown at 3, the latter preferably being in the form of a perforated sheet.

According to all forms ,of the present invention, light is to penetrate theassembledelongate rectangularlyeshaped members ,2; .and this ,may be accomplished by having said members 2 formed wholly or inpart of light-,penetrablematerial and the indicia or sign designation .3 of opaque material. The members v3 may either have openings to define the sign designation, in which case the sign field or background will be opaque and dark andthe designations lighted, or they may comprise opaque sign designations, in which case said field or background willbe lighted and the designations opaque and .dark.

In either case, the inner surfaces of the indicia, or sign designation, 3 are prepared .to provide substantial reflectivity as by coating, as at 4, with a mirrored-surface, white paint, etc. "In this manner, light reflectivity as between the rearward surfaces of the elongate rectangularlyshaped members 2 is provided. According to la preferred embodiment, a transparent .cover '5 of sheet-like material is provided for the ,entireties of the outer surfaces of the sign-forming .elements or such portions thereof as are light penetrable. Thus, the indicia .3 is sealed between the elongate rectangularly-shaped, .colored translucent member 2 and the clear-or colorless transparent cover 5 which not only provides ior protection against the weather, etc., but also facilitates cleaning.

The foregoing construction and arrangement is such that with a pair .of panels (each c mprised of the elements .2, 3, A and 5 assembled to form a V-shaped trough which is open at the bottom and the assembly is mounted to :extend laterally from a lamp post at a position whichis somewhat below the street lamp, light .rays, whether from natural daylight or emanating from the street lamp, will, to-a very sub stan.- tial extent, penetrate the light-penetrable :por tions of both of the sign-forming panels. .Some light rays will directly penetrate the lightepenetrable portions of eitheror both of the pairoff .V-- assembled sign-forming panels, while other light rays will be diverted from the reflective inner surfaces 3 of the indicia 3 onto the elongate rec.- tangularly-shaped member 2 which forms the back of the oppositely disposed signeformi-ng panel. This reflective attachment lwill supply light to the indicia of the opposite panel to provide for a light source which is disposed off the vertical centerline of the V-shaped trough, which is often the case in the daytime when the sun moves in its orbit.

The members 2, which, as previously mentioned, are preferably of a colored translucent plastic, may have a relatively high coefficient of reflection so that a portion of the light entering the V-shaped trough will be reflected by these members and a portion transmitted to their respective indicia. The trough is so arranged that the light reflected from one of the members 2 will strike the other of said members to supply its indicia with light. Thus the reflecting action of the ,members will assistthat of the indicia 3 to light the-opposite panel of "the sign.

In Figure 2 of the drawings, it will be noted that the upper and lower edges of the elongate rectangularly-shaped backing member 2 are bent outwardly at right angles, as shown at 9, in or- :der .to'ipro'tect the edges of the assembled elements; while .inEigure 3, the upper and lower edges of the assembled elements are provided with protective caps [0 which may be formed of suitable plastic material.

,Reierring;tp ,Ffigures Land .5, Lhave disclosed an acceptable ,conibination of elements for as sembling the ,pair .of Lelongate rectangularlyshapedmembers .2 .andmounting them on a suitable standard,such.asaconventiQnal lamp post. More specifically, these elements .for assembling andmountingjhe elongate rectangularly-shaped members ;2 :comprise a pair .of end brackets l2 and 14, .each-ojf which .is .shaped to make suitable ,contactwith ltheends of the said elongate rectangular'ly-shaped .members. These end brackets .13 ,and i4 .arelheld in firm contact with the .ends .of the elongate rectangularly-shaped membersjz .bylri vets 1-6 whichalso serve to hold together'thelaminar component elements of the sign ,per seand form a .unitary construction.

@Qne ojftheendlbrackets .(i. e., that which is indicated at 12 Tin'Figures 1, '4 and.5) is provided with,means whereby the unit may be suspended from .,a lamp ,post, ,or other standard. According to the constructionshown most clearly in Figures .4 and .15., the .end bracket 12 .is provided with upper ,and ,lower ,pairs of I outwardly extending lugs l2q,,e achflug beingstamped from the materialiofthe,endbracketand the lugs of each pair occupying. substantially the same horizontal plane. These outwardlyextending lugs, or projec'tions, 1,211 which are .formed by Semi-perforating thebracket I2 are adapted to contact the exterior.o f the .lamp -,p.ost A, or other standard, with .the .slots gformed .by :the stamping operating accommodating Standard adjustable connecting straps gin-which encircle the lamp post at appropriate horizontal levels, :as shown most clearly il -figu e .5.-

Ittisgcontemplatedthat the material of the end bracket L2,-and accordingly of the outwardly extending lugs 131;, .be :such as willenable the lugs to provide spring tension on the adjustable straps 2 9 .to maintain permanent-.tightness of the same.

As stated previously, the embodiment shown in Figure 2 (as well as in Figures 1 and 5) utilizes an elongate -rectangularly-shaped member 2 (,forming .the ,inner, or backing, portion of the sign) having longitudinal edge portions which are ,rightwangularly bent, as shown at 9, thereby forming a channel section. Such an element will be extruded from isuitable translucent plastic material, whether it be clear or colored.

,Inany ease, it is -contemplated that the various plastic materials .be gchemically .iused togethera the r edge and en p t ons to orm a sin le unit withthe indicia member permanently sealed within the lamination.

-According to all of the forms of the present invention which are illustrated in the drawings and described hereinbefore, the backing member (comprising the elongate rectangularly-shaped members) are light-penetrable, while the superposed indicia or sign designation may be either transparent or opaque, as desired, provided, however, the inner faces of the indicia or sign designations are light reflective.

The sign of the present invention is rendered extremely brilliant when utilizing an inner member 2 which is of colored light-penetrable plastic material, a perforated indicia sheet 3 superposed on the outer surface of the member 2, and a clear transparent sheet or cover 5 overlying the outer surface of the perforated indicia sheet. Such an inner member 2 (being of colored light-penetrable material) appears to gather the light, diffuse and uniformly distribute, as well as concentrate its intensity at the perforations where permitted to pass through. 7

While I have shown and described several specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that I do not wish to be limited exactly thereto, since various modifications may be made Without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A sign adapted to utilize light rays from an external source, such as the sun, comprising a pairof members assembled to form a V-shaped trough open at the top, said members having indicia defining means, each of said members being partially light reflective and partially light transmissive, the shape of said trough being such that light entering through the top of the trough and strikin one of said members will be partially reflected to the other of said members and partially transmitted through said first-mentioned member, the light reflected to said other member being partially transmitted through said member, the light transmitted through both of said members cooperating with said indicia defining means to provide a lighted sign.

2. A sign adapted to utilize light rays from an external source, such as the sun, comprising a pair of members assembled to form a V-shaped trough open at the top and bottom, said members having indicia defining means, each of said members being partially light reflective and partially light transmissive, the shape of said trough being such that light entering through the top of the trough and striking one of said members will be partially reflected to the other of said members and partially transmitted through said first-mentioned member, the light reflected to said other member being partially transmitted through said member, the light transmitted through both of said members cooperating with said indicia defining means to provide a lighted sign.

3. A sign adapted to utilize light rays from an external source, such as the sun, comprising a pair of indicia defining members assembled to form a V-shaped trough open at the top and bottom, each of said members being partially light reflective and partially light transmissive, the shape of said trough being such that light entering through the top of the trough and striking one of said members will be partially reflected to the other of said members and partially transmitted through said first-mentioned member, the light reflected to said other member being partially transmitted through said member, the light transmitted through both of said indicia defining 6 members cooperating with these members to provide a lighted sign.

4; vA sign adapted to utilize light rays from an external source, such as the sun, comprising a pair of indicia defining members assembled to form a V-shaped trough open at the top and bottom, each of said members being partially light reflective and partially light transmissive, and translucent members mounted on the inner surfaces of said indicia defining members, the shape of said trough being such that light entering through the top of the trough and passing through one of said translucent members to strike one of said indicia defining members will be partially reflected to the other of said translucent members and partially transmitted through said first-mentioned indicia defining member, the light reflected to said other translucent member being partially transmitted through said other indicia defining member, the light transmitted through both of said indicia defining member cooperating with said members and their respective translucent members to provide a lighted sign.

5. A sign adapted to utilize light rays from an external source, such as the sun, comprising a pair of indicia defining members assembled to form a V-shaped trough. open at the top and bottom, each of said members being partially light reflective and partially light transmissive, and colored translucent members mounted on the inner surfaces of said indicia defining members,'the shape of said trough being such that light entering through the top of the trough and passing through one of said translucent members to strike one of said indicia defining members will be partially reflected to the other of said translucent members and partially transmitted through said first-mentioned indicia defining member, the light reflected to said other translucent member being partially transmitted through said other indicia defining member, the light transmitted through both of said indicia defining members cooperating with said members and their respective translucent members to provide a colored lighted sign.

6. A sign adapted to utilize light rays from an external source, such as the sun, comprising a pair of indicia defining members assembled to form a V-shaped trough open at the top and bottom, each of said members being partially light reflective and partially light transmissive, translucent plastic members mounted on the inner surfaces of said indicia defining members, and light transmissive plastic members on the outer sides of said indicia defining members covering both said indicia defining members and said translucent members, the shape of said trough being such that light entering through the top of the trough and passing through one of said translucent members to strike one of said indicia defining members will be partially reflected to the other of said translucent members and partially transmitted through said first-mentioned indicia defining member, the light reflected to said other translucent member being partially transmitted through said other indicia defining member, the light transmitted through both of said indicia defining members cooperating with said members and their respective translucent members to provide a colored lighted sign.

7. A sign adapted to utilize light rays from an external source, such as the sun, comprising a pair of indicia defining members assembled to form a V-shaped trough open at the top and bottom, each of said members being partially light assume reflective :and zpartially light transmissive, "translucent plastic members mounted on the inner surfaces of :said :indicia :defining members, light transmissive plastic members ;on the outer sides of said .indicia "defining members ;coverng both said indicia :defining members and said translucent members, and :means adjacent'the edges of said inner :andouterplastic members to provide weatherproof joints ::between them and seal oil said .indicia :defining members, the shape of said trough .beingsuch itl-iatilight entering through the top of 'thertrough and passing through one of said translucent members rtozstrike one of said indiciarlefiningmembers will be partially reflected to :the other :of said translucent members and partially transmitted :through said first-mentioned rindicia defining -smember, the light refiected to said other translucent member being partially transmitted through said other indicia defining member, the light transmitted through both of said Iindi'cia defining members cooperating withssaid members and their respective translucentmembersto provide aicolored lighted sign.

'8. Assign adapted to utilize light rays from-an external source, such as the-sun, comprising a pairo'f translucentzmembersassembled to form a v-shaped trough open at the top and bottom, each of said translucent members being partially light reflective and :partially light transmissive, and members having openings to define indicia mounted on the outside o'f each of said translucent members, the shape of said trough being such that light entering through the top of the trough and striking oneof said translucent members will be partially reflected to the other of said translucent members and partially transmitted through said first-mentioned translucent member, the light reflected :to the other of 7 said 8 translucentimembers being partially transmitted through :said niem'ber, the light transmitted through :both said translucent members passing throu h the openings in said indicia defining :members "to provide :a lighted sign.

:9. Asign adapted to utilize light rays from an external source, such as the sun, vcomprising a pair of translucent members assembled to form a V-shaped trough open at the top and bottom, each of said translucent members being partially light reflective :and partially light tranmissive, and indicia :mountednn-the outside of each of said translucent members, the shape of said trough being such that :light entering through the top of the trough and striking one of said translucent members will be partially reflected to-theother .oizsaid translucent members and partially transmitted through said first-mentioned translucent member, the light reflected to the other of said ranslucent members being partially transmitted through said member, the light transmitted through each of said translucent members outlining said indieia to provide a lighted sign.

EVER A. FEED/I.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,601,554 ,Bridgham Y Sept. 28, 1926 1172539 Rrice v Aug.V27, 1929 1,781,727 'Kne'tchel Nov. 18, 1930 1786,1551 Farrell V r Dec. 23, 1930 2,383,881 Murphy V Aug. 20, 1945 

